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dispose of

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To get rid of something properly, like throwing it away or dealing with it.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To throw away or get rid of something, especially in a proper or responsible manner.

"Please dispose of your litter in the bins provided."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To deal with a problem, task, or opponent quickly and effectively.

"The champion disposed of her opponent in straight sets."

Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 formal

To sell or transfer ownership of property or assets.

"He disposed of his shares in the company before the scandal broke."

Grammar: inseparable
4 C1 idiomatic informal

(Euphemistic/informal) To kill someone.

"In the thriller, the villain disposed of anyone who knew too much."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used in both formal and everyday contexts. In legal and environmental contexts, it implies proper or lawful removal. Euphemistically used to mean killing someone (informal/slang). Very common in instructions, regulations, and notices.

Commonly used with

waste evidence body rubbish assets matter

Forms

Base
dispose of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
disposes of
he/she/it
Past simple
disposed of
yesterday
Past participle
disposed of
have + pp
-ing form
disposing of
continuous

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Synonyms

get rid of throw away discard eliminate deal with remove

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